Earlier this year, SynergEyes launched its SynergEyes ID hybrid lenses. The company says that SynergEyes ID hybrid lenses are individually designed to each patient’s unique ocular anatomy utilizing keratometric readings, horizontal visible iris diameter (HVID), and refraction to personalize precise lens parameters. The multifocal lens incorporates a proprietary extended depth of focus (EDOF) design from the Brien Holden Vision Institute.

The silicone hydrogel skirt of this new generation of hybrid lenses is designed to follow the linear shape of the sclera. SynergEyes says that the empirical fitting process can help to streamline the fit and to produce a high rate of first-lens dispense, patient preference and satisfaction, and revenue retention.

Parameters of the SynergEyes ID hybrid include base curves from 7.10mm to 8.30mm in 0.01mm increments, skirts from 38 to 49 in increments of 1 step to accommodate an HVID range of 10.0mm to 13.0mm (HVIDs outside of these measurements will default to 10mm or 13mm), single-vision powers of +10.00D to –15.00D (+8.00D to –8.00D in 0.25D steps; +8.50D to +10.00D in 0.50D steps; –8.50D to –15.00D in 0.50D steps), and powers in the multifocal design of +5.50D to –10.00D (+5.50D to –8.00D in 0.25D steps; –8.50D to –10.00D in 0.50D steps) in add powers of Low, Medium, and High. Tangible Hydra-PEG coating is available on request.

Here we share the clinical experiences of practitioners who are fitting SynergEyes ID in their practice.

Please tell us about your general experience with SynergEyes ID lenses.

Todd Pfeil, OD, of Lincoln, NE, has fit all of SynergEyes’ lenses, but what stands out to him about SynergEyes ID is that he can customize it so much more to each patient’s ocular anatomy and prescription. “With both the single-vision and the multifocal design, I can adjust and modify the parameters to individually design a lens for patients—which is, of course, why the lens is named ‘ID,’” he said.

Brian Dembo, OD, of Glenview, IL, noted that in addition to being more customizable, this latest SynergEyes design has made hybrid contact lens fitting significantly easier. “The online empirical fitting guide and online ordering have simplified the fitting process. The guaranteed fit policy limits exposure for unsuccessful patients,” he said. Dr. Dembo also noted that “The extended depth of focus multifocal improves visual outcomes for presbyopes. The new linear skirt design makes the SynergEyes ID lens more comfortable and easier to remove.”

Stacy Zubkousky, OD, of Fort Lauderdale, FL, said, “Working with Synergeyes ID has been exciting. It is very straightforward to fit and offers patients a custom-designed lens. I’ve observed that the new soft skirt linear design based on patients’ HVID has enhanced patient comfort in a hybrid design.”

Who are the best candidates for this product and why?

Dr. Pfeil noted that while the best candidates are patients who have high vision demands, “What it boils down to is that SynergEyes ID is a great option for any patients who like to see clearly and who haven’t obtained the visual success that they want with their current contact lenses, whether soft or GP,” he said.

Dr. Zubkousky reaches for this lens for patients who have moderate astigmatism. “When I fit soft toric lenses, I always tell patients about the likelihood of decreased stability of vision when compared to spectacles. But with the SynergEyes ID lens, the stability of vision is a selling point. I love fitting high-myopic patients who have moderate astigmatism; the lenses really offer these patients a wow factor,” she said.

Dr. Dembo noted that, “The sweet spot for me is when fitting patients who have oblique astigmatism, especially presbyopes who would like good, comfortable, stable vision. They have often failed in other lenses and are motivated to try something different. The almost unlimited range of parameters makes this lens a great option for these patients.” He also stated that, “The optional polyethylene glycol coating can help improve wearing comfort for those who need it.”

Dr. Pfeil shared a similar experience with the multifocal design. “The GP center delivers a rich reading portion for presbyopic patients. I’ve had patients who aren’t completely achieving the near vision that they want with other designs. We’ve been able to fit these patients with the ID multifocal, and because the reading portion is so much richer, it satisfies their reading demands. And with the extended depth of focus optics, patients can achieve good-quality vision at all distances,” he said.

“Astigmatic patients who have presbyopia now have a great option with the SynergEyes ID EDOF design,” said Dr. Zubkousky. “We can offer these patients sharp, stable, and functional vision. In addition, the SynergEyes ID EDOF lens has expanded the toolbox for myopia management of myopes who have moderate astigmatism,” she noted.

Tell us about the prescribing process and what has worked best for you.

All of the practitioners noted that the empirical fitting process is easy, efficient, and successful when accurate measurements are provided. “SynergEyes has nailed down the empirical fitting process to the point that when you’re obtaining the parameters needed to design the lens, it’s all with tools that we learned about in our first year of optometry school,” said Dr. Pfeil. In his experience, the first lens that is manufactured is often the lens that a patient continues to wear. He said, “It’s awesome at dispense to see patients’ reactions and to be able to give them that instant gratification. This speaks to the success of the empirical ordering process that SynergEyes has put in place.”

Dr. Zubkousky shared that, “The empirical fitting method has been great during the pandemic. It reduces chair time and the need for a trial lens set. I also find that empirical fitting really makes patients feel that their lens is completely custom. What is also great about fitting the SynergEyes ID is that it doesn’t require ancillary testing. All that you need are K readings, HVID, and manifest refraction. That’s it! It couldn’t be simpler to fit.”

While simple and easy, the fitting process does require careful measurement. “Good K readings and an accurate HVID are important. I recommend using a corneal topographer for the HVID, as it is usually more accurate and is the measurement used for the skirt base curve,” said Dr. Dembo. He also noted that, “Some adaptation time is required, and patience many be needed. There is also a small learning curve for practitioners. Using the consultation department, when needed, is an added benefit, especially when first fitting the lenses. The patient online tools help with application and removal tips.”

How has SynergEyes ID helped with troubleshooting for particular patients? Tell us about any success stories in that regard.

All three practitioners noted improvements in visual quality and in quality of life when sharing success stories about SynergEyes ID. “I had a patient who had high myopia and moderate astigmatism and who had worn soft toric lenses for more than 10 years. Her vision was reduced to about 20/30 in both eyes with the soft torics,” said Dr. Zubkousky. She continued, “With the first ordered SynergEyes ID lens, her vision was 20/20 in both eyes! She hadn’t seen 20/20 in years. It was a very exciting moment for both of us.”

Dr. Pfeil shared that, “Some of the best success stories I’ve had with SynergEyes ID have been with the multifocal design. Some of my presbyopic patients who are wearing other contact lens designs will tell me that their vision is ‘OK’ or that ‘Wearing these is better than wearing my glasses.’ When I perform topography on these patients, many of them have a little bit of corneal irregularity that limits how well they’re able to see with their current lenses. The optics of the SynergEyes ID GP center and the EDOF design solve many of these problems so that patients often go from ‘I’m doing OK’ to ‘This is phenomenal.’”

Dr. Dembo noted, “The SynergEyes ID line of lenses has given me another tool for those patients who are not happy with their current lens design. When I ask patients ‘How well do you want to see?’ I know that I have a lens that can satisfy whatever their needs are. An added benefit is the increased referrals that you get from patients whose quality of life you have improved.” CLS